NMSU Swimming And Diving Earns 2016-17 WAC Sportsmanship Award

DENVER, CO - The NM State women’s swimming & diving team has been awarded the 2016-17 WAC Sportsmanship Award for its display of sportsmanship toward the Northern Arizona women’s swimming & diving team during the 2016-17 season after the tragic death of NAU senior swimmer Hayley Edmond due to complications from cancer on Sept. 1, 2016.

"Rachel Judge and the entire women's swim team at NM State showed the utmost respect and sportsmanship this year during our competitions with them regarding the loss of Hayley," Northern Arizona Head Coach Andy Johns said. "During the WAC Championships, Rachel gave our team a flower that was for Hayley, recognizing her as a senior, on the final night of competition. Their outpouring of support for our team this year was a tribute to their leadership and kindness and was a true showing of sportsmanship at the highest level."

Edmond earned multiple All-WAC honors at the 2016 WAC Championships, swimming the third leg of the 200 free relay team that won gold with a school record time of 1:31.58. She also earned second team All-WAC honors in the 50 and 100 free, the 100 back and the 800 free relay. Edmond transferred to NAU after competing her first two seasons at Massey University in New Zealand.

The WAC Sportsmanship Award is awarded on an annual basis and given to one WAC member institution that has demonstrated the most distinguishable act of sportsmanship throughout the academic year.